Canada · entrepreneur · Leads to settlement
Start-Up Visa (Canada)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Permanent residence for entrepreneurs with endorsement from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
- Processing time
- Currently 37+ months as of mid-decade; verify IRCC service standard.
- Government fees
- CAD 2,140 principal applicant plus family.
- Typical duration
- Permanent residence.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The Start-Up Visa grants permanent residence to founders whose business is supported by a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Up to 5 founders per business, each receiving PR. Processing has lengthened considerably in recent years.
Recent changes to this route
- Canada: PR fees rise (30 Apr 2026), category-based Express Entry, Start-up Visa closed, arranged-employment points removed30 April 2026
A run of IRCC changes through 2025-26 reshaped Express Entry economics and closed the Start-up Visa to new applicants.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Indian applicants
Indian founders are the largest Start-Up Visa cohort. Intake caps introduced in 2024 cut per-designated-organisation slo…
Chinese applicants
Chinese applicants face extra source-of-funds scrutiny. SUV does not require investment by the founder — the designated …
Brazilian applicants
Brazilian founders increasingly use SUV as a Canadian entry alternative to the US E-2 (which Brazil does not qualify for…
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Letter of Support from a designated organisation.
- ✓Qualifying business (innovative, scalable, incorporated in Canada).
- ✓CLB 5 in English or French.
- ✓Settlement funds sufficient for family size.
Common blockers
- !Organisation not on the designated list.
- !Processing backlog may push timelines past 3 years.
Typical evidence
- ·Letter of Support.
- ·Business incorporation documents.
- ·Proof of funds.
Application pathway
Develop business and secure Letter of Support
Pitch to designated VC, angel group, or incubator.
Submit PR application
With Letter of Support.
Obtain work permit while waiting (optional)
Many applicants take a 3-year open work permit to build the business during processing.
Land as PR after approval
Plan for extended timelines.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantApply for Start-Up Visa ↗
Founders use this IRCC page to confirm designated-organisation support and permanent residence filing steps.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: CAD 2,140 principal applicant plus family.. A decision then typically takes 3.3 years – 4.3 years. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does the Canadian Start-Up Visa take now?+
Processing times have lengthened to 37+ months as of mid-decade as intake caps were introduced. Most applicants take a supporting work permit while waiting. Confirm current service standards on the IRCC website.
Can I work in Canada while my Start-Up Visa is being processed?+
Yes. Many Start-Up Visa applicants take a 3-year open work permit to build the business while the permanent-residence application is processed, which is significant because processing currently runs to 37+ months as of mid-decade.
Do I have to invest my own money in the Canadian Start-Up Visa?+
No. The Start-Up Visa does not require investment by the founder — the designated organisation's Letter of Support is the key requirement — but you must still prove settlement funds sufficient for your family size.
Can my whole family get permanent residence through the Canadian Start-Up Visa?+
The Start-Up Visa grants permanent residence to the founder and their family, and a single qualifying business can support up to 5 founders, each receiving PR. You must show settlement funds sufficient for your family size.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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